Inside The Thunder

OKC Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Unfolding 3-Point Progression

There've been some doubts surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 3-point ability of late, but progress seems to be trending upwards for the Oklahoma City superstar.

Nathan Aker

In this story:

Last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took a step back in his 3-point progression, while also taking a step forward. In 1,381 shots on the year, 168 of them were from beyond the arc — while attempting 297 3-pointers in just 1,052 shots the season before.

That amount of 3-point attempts in 2021-2022 came with a price, though, as an uptick of 127 3-point attempts and a subsequent 11.8% decrease in 3-point percentage following the year prior was an emphatic regression considering where he was headed.

Perhaps shooting nearly 300 3-pointers in 56 games two seasons ago wasn’t necessarily conducive to benefitting the Thunder offense, so adjustments were made. Gilgeous-Alexander switched up his game plan heading into last season, taking 129 less 3-pointers despite shooting 329 more times from the field in 68 contests.

His decrease in 3-point attempts led to a 4.5% increase in 3-point percentage, while also improving from 45.3% to 51% from the field.

As the 25-year-old guard ascended into superstardom last season, his methodical play style and scoring ability also ascended, allowing him to produce 31.5 points per game on the season even with the dropoff in 3-point attempts.

His knack to adapt to his own play as well as others around him has let Gilgeous-Alexander become a poised, confident talent for Oklahoma City. As he probes the lane, his comfortability in navigating around the second level and countering a defender is beautiful — it’s of a caliber that is rare to see, even in the NBA.

His craftiness around the rim can be considered unparalleled in the league among many, but his 3-point capability has not reached its peak.

But it’s seemed Gilgeous-Alexander has been working diligently on the speed and shooting mechanics within his jump shot this offseason, showcasing his improvement and alterations in FIBA play.

As noticed in the clip above, the hitch in Gilgeous-Alexander’s shot has significantly lessened — with this example showing no signs of a hitch at all. The step back into shot preparation to the release of the ball looked seamless, an exciting sight for Thunder and Gilgeous-Alexander fans.

His jumper progression has coincided with his performance thus far in FIBA match play, averaging 33.3% from three on 4.2 attempts and 52.7% from the field on 14.8 attempts for 23.8 points.

While Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the team head into their 2023-24 campaign, you shouldn’t expect a huge boost in 3-point attempts from him. With a returning sharpshooter like Isaiah Joe and newcomers Cason Wallace, Davis Bertans and Vasilije Micic, Oklahoma City’s 3-point shooting has been much improved over the summer.

Gilgeous-Alexander will have no need to shoot 297 3-pointers like he did in 2021-22. He’ll be able to shoot the long ball at his own comfortable pace, and make small steps to improve his outside efficiency throughout the season.

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.

Published
Nathan Aker
NATHAN AKER

Nathan is a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Public Relations set to graduate in May 2024. He holds experience covering multiple sports, primarily basketball, at the high school and collegiate level. 

Home/News